Iiyama ProLite E2207WS 22in LCD Monitor review

Summary

Our Score

6/10

Review Price free/subscription

If you're looking for an LCD that strikes the ideal balance between screen real estate and price, then you'll typically want to consider a 22in one. While its typical 1,680 x 1,050 native resolution won't let you display Full HD content without downscaling, it will let you play 720p material and offers great value for money. This is where the Iiyama ProLite E2207WS comes in; a new and affordable 22in model.

As is usual for Iiyama, you get all the cables the monitor can cope with, unlike some manufacturers that often omit the DVI cable on their budget displays. In this case, however, you get 3.5mm audio, power, VGA and DVI cables, which reflect the ProLite E2207WS' connectivity options. Likewise, the manual is a cut above the crowd and includes an adjustment guide and every specification you need to know (apart from the actual panel type used).

In terms of design, the ProLite E2207WS is virtually identical to its larger cousin, the Iiyama ProLite E2607WS 26in monitor. In fact, the only obvious differences are that it lacks HDMI, and has a smaller, lower resolution panel.

Installation is very easy. The display comes in two parts - the screen and the stand - that click together with a minimum of fuss. There's also a clip that fits into the back of the stand for gathering up the cables into a tidy bundle.

It comes as no surprise that adjustability is limited to tilt (in this case 20 degrees), which is unfortunate but common for monitors at this price point. However, with its G2200WT 22in monitor, BenQ has proven that a budget price doesn't mean full adjustability has to be sacrificed. At least the E2207WS' build quality is impeccable, with strong plastics and a solid feel. The stand also provides a very stable base, which is difficult to move accidentally.

When it comes to looks there's little to complain about. You get an attractive piano-black glossy bezel with only the Iiyama name and model number interrupting its clean lines - though you'll wish a cleaning cloth had been included, since fingerprints and dust will soon make their presence known.

As usual with this class of screen, the lower part of the bezel is somewhat wider, but Iiyama has offset this with a narrow strip in a brushed metal finish. This two-tone effect is carried though to the stand where a glossy border surrounds an inner matte section, though I feel the monitor would have looked at least as good if the whole stand had been made shiny.